Trump signals possible Iran action after US midterms; Tehran stays firm

President Donald Trump has signaled potential military action against Iran following the upcoming US midterm elections, with increased US forces deployed to the Persian Gulf. Iran says its position remains unchanged despite the threat of renewed conflict. The US has sent a third aircraft carrier strike group and 10,000 additional sailors and Marines to the region. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Israel, and the State Department ordered some diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia after Houthi attacks expanded the conflict there. Iran is preparing retaliation across West Asia, including against Israel and the UAE. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that war would not alter Tehran's policies, noting past attempts yielded no different outcomes. Gulf officials fear renewed violence could be worse, while experts suggest both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu may view conflict as a political strategy.